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Rhythm and blues singer Bettye LaVette had her first hit at the age of 16 when the Detroit teen recorded “Let Me Down Easy” for Motown Records. She has continued singing for the past 50 years, maintaining a cult following that has now migrated to mainstream audiences with recent appearances at the Kennedy Center and U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. She sang “A Change is Gonna Come” with Jon Bon Jovi, who is a fan, as are the members of The Who. Also on the double bill is R&B singer James Hunter with his band the James Hunter Six. 8 p.m., Nathan Phillips Square, $56.50

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Gregory Porter

Californian Gregory Porter’s mother was a minister and he cites the Bakersfield Southern Gospel sound, as well as his mother’s Nat King Cole record collection, as fundamental influences on his own sound. Porter began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship, where he played outside linebacker. Eventually it was music that Porter chose to pursue full-time. In 2010, he released his debut album Water, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. His sophomore album Be Good followed in 2012 and earned him his second Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance. 7 p.m., Enwave Theatre, $39.55

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